Personalized treatment

Once we understand your unique needs and goals, we’ll work together to create a treatment plan, which may include: Education on reducing risk factors and stress management Nutrition counseling and meal planning One-on-one sessions with appropriate rehab specialists, such as heart failure nurses or health coaches Supervised exercise therapy to help you build strength and stamina, sometimes paired with electrocardiogram (EKG) monitoring

Do I need a referral from my doctor for cardiac rehab?

Yes. We do require a doctor’s referral. If you’re living with a heart condition like heart failure or stable angina, have had a heart attack or have undergone a heart procedure, don’t hesitate to talk with your doctor about your options for cardiac rehab.

What are the potential benefits of cardiac rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehab can help improve your heart health and lower your risk of future heart events. Rehab can also: Give you more energy Help you make better food choices and lose weight Keep you out of the hospital Lessen fear and anxiety about your future Reduce symptoms such as shortness of breath

Will insurance cover cardiac rehabilitation?

Most insurance companies and Medicare cover cardiac rehab if you have a doctor’s referral. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance company. Copays and deductibles may apply. Your insurance company may also require preauthorization.

Cardiac wellness and rehabilitation | Roper St. Francis Healthcare

A stronger heart starts with the right support

Our cardiac rehabilitation program for inpatients and outpatients is designed to help you get back to normal life as quickly and safely as possible. Our programs bring different experts across Roper St. Francis Healthcare together in one convenient place to help you build skills for recovery — both mentally and physically.

We provide expert cardiac care, emotional support throughout your recovery, supervised exercise, access to speech, occupational and physical therapy, nutrition counseling, education for patients and family members and more. With a focus on improving your heart health and lowering your risk of new complications, we’ll ease you into a more active, heart-friendly lifestyle and a healthier future.

Our services

The Roper St. Francis cardiac rehabilitation program helps patients with all types of fitness levels. Whether you’re a professional athlete, weekend warrior or you’ve never exercised before, our team can create a plan that keeps you healthy and active.

Patient in wheelchair holds heart pillow

Cardiac rehabilitation is helpful for people with a variety of heart issues, including:

Recent cardiac bypass surgery
Exercise-induced chest pain
Heart attack
Heart failure
Heart valve repair or replacement
Peripheral vascular disease
Stent placement

In most cases, you’ll begin the rehab process while you’re in the hospital recovering from a treatment or procedure. Our dedicated rehabilitation team will help you to gradually rebuild your strength and function before you go home. Your treatment while at the hospital may include support from specialists such as recreational therapists, psychologists, social workers and case managers.

After you are cleared to leave the hospital, you will continue cardiac rehab care as an outpatient.

Inpatient care

Once your doctor refers you to our cardiac rehabilitation program, you will meet with our team for an initial evaluation. Based on those results, we create a personalized rehab plan to help you safely return to normal daily activities. This evaluation includes:

A meeting to discuss your health history with a cardiac rehabilitation nurse
An exercise evaluation with an exercise physiologist
A nutrition evaluation with a registered dietitian

For several weeks, we’ll work with you at one of our locations, giving you the tools you need to move forward.

Outpatient care

Treatment for cardiac rehabilitation

Learn more about the treatments we offer.

Most people meet with our team three days a week for six to 12 weeks. Sessions typically last 60 to 75 minutes. We dedicate most of that time to supervised exercise. We’ll adjust your schedule as needed based on your needs.

Once your formal sessions are complete, you can transition to our general health maintenance program. Our team will continue to support you as you work to stay on track with your exercise and health goals.

Once we understand your unique needs and goals, we’ll work together to create a treatment plan, which may include:

Education on reducing risk factors and stress management
Nutrition counseling and meal planning
One-on-one sessions with appropriate rehab specialists, such as heart failure nurses or health coaches
Supervised exercise therapy to help you build strength and stamina, sometimes paired with electrocardiogram (EKG) monitoring

Once you finish your outpatient cardiac rehabilitation, you can continue your health journey with the general health maintenance program. This program helps you stay on track with your exercise and health goals. Our expert team of exercise physiologists, dietitians, health coaches and nurses will continue to offer you support.